Skipping GLP-1 doses generally isn’t a good idea, says Garcia-Webb. However, there are legitimate medical reasons to take a planned break from GLP-1s.
For instance, people who have an upcoming medical procedure, such as a colonoscopy or surgery, must pause GLP-1 use. “It’s extremely important to stop these medications well ahead of time to lower your risk of aspiration (breathing in stomach contents) during surgery, as this can be very dangerous,” says Garcia-Webb. Ask your doctor when you should stop and restart your GLP-1.
“Pregnancy is also a good reason to stop taking a GLP-1 medication,” says Garcia-Webb. She suggests stopping GLP-1s two to three months before trying to get pregnant.
Garcia-Webb often sees people pause GLP-1 use because they’re struggling with side effects, the most common of which include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. “Especially for people who are on lower doses, if they’re having a hard time with side effects, sometimes it makes sense to take a break and start again in a few weeks,” she says.
There are also nonmedical factors that may require you to take an unwanted GLP-1 break. “Many people have to deal with going on and off medications due to insurance issues, supply chain issues, or the changing cost of medications,” says Garcia-Webb. Pausing your medication for more than a few weeks may require going back to a starter dose and restarting the long process of working up to a full-strength dosage.
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